More lifeguards on Mumbai beaches

Each civic ward will compile data of visitors on their respective beaches to chalk out a timetable that will help man the shores

Expect more lifeguards, especially when beaches tend to be crowded.

In the wake of recent drowning mishaps, the BMC has decided to deploy additional lifeguards on city beaches on days that draw huge crowds.

BAYWATCH: In the wake of recent drowning mishaps, BMC will deploy additional lifeguards on city beaches on days that draw huge crowds. PIC/NIMESH DAVE

On Sunday, two teenaged boys from Andheri (E) drowned at Juhu beach. To avoid such cases, the BMC plans to step up measures.

Sources in the BMC said that posting lifeguards round the clock at all beaches may be almost impossible. So, the civic body will chalk out a timetable listing days when beaches see too many visitors.Time chart"Ward officers have been told to make a chart of the number of people visiting every beach on public holidays and weekends, days of high tide and local festivals at beaches," said a senior BMC official.

"Accordingly, we plan to allocate the number of lifeguards on beaches."

Meanwhile, the BMC is in the process of recruiting more lifeguards. "Presently, we are taking help of firemen who can swim and from NGOs," the official said.

"We will deploy five firemen and an assistant station fire officer to keep vigil at the city's eight major beaches," said Additional Municipal Commissioner Manisha Mhaiskar.

Lamenting the fact that people ignored warning boards on beaches, warning people of dangers of entering rough seas, Mhaiskar said, "Besides audio announcements, we also plan to install video announcement systems."

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Criteria to recruit lifeguards will be fashioned along the lines of global standards.

"We will check if the person can run 100 mt, swim 100 mt and then run another 100 mt within 8-10 minutes," said Chief Fire Officer of Mumbai Fire Brigade, Uday Tatkare. "Those meeting these criteria will be considered eligible."

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